Judicial staff testify in probe against Chief Justice Torkornoo

Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, Director of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has disclosed that Judicial Service staff are currently testifying in the ongoing probe into the three petitions filed against Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.

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Speaking on TV3’s KeyPoints program on Saturday, July 5, Tameklo argued that it is inappropriate for the Chief Justice to remain in office during the investigation, stressing the potential for interference.

“Judicial Service staff are serving as witnesses in the probe against her,” he said. “Imagine what would happen if she were still in office; it would amount to suppression of evidence.”

Tameklo’s comments follow the Ghana Bar Association’s (GBA) recent call for the Chief Justice’s suspension to be lifted. GBA President Afua Ghartey criticized the move, describing it as a threat to judicial independence.

In response, Tameklo insisted that the suspension upholds due process and is necessary to ensure fairness in the investigation.

The Chief Justice was suspended on April 22, 2025, after President John Dramani Mahama determined that a prima facie case had been established based on three separate petitions. Acting under Article 146 of the Constitution and with advice from the Council of State, a five-member committee was established to handle the inquiry. The committee includes:

1. Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang – Supreme Court (Chair)
2. Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu – Supreme Court (Member)
3. Daniel Yaw Domelevo – Former Auditor-General (Member)
4. Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo – Ghana Armed Forces (Member)
5. Prof. James Sefah Dzisah – University of Ghana (Member)

The petitions, submitted by different individuals, called for the Chief Justice’s removal over alleged misconduct.

President Mahama referred the matter to the Council of State, which advised on the formation of the probe committee. The Chief Justice has formally responded to the allegations and awaits the outcome of the proceedings.

Tameklo emphasized that the ongoing process is critical to preserving judicial integrity and upholding the rule of law.